Internship Abroad in Chile: Kyle's Adventure

I was fortunate enough to be able to study abroad in Seville, Spain when I was an undergrad at the University of Wisconsin. My time spent in Spain, and all of my travels throughout Europe, were life-changing to put it simply.

I made myself the promise that before I committed myself to a full-time career I would embark on another adventure to South America to continue to mastering my abilities in Spanish, but more importantly to explore another corner of the world.

I ultimately wanted to live in Santiago because it is a huge metropolis with an impressive economy, and Chile itself has so much to offer as far as landscape when taken into consideration the expanse of terrain the country stretches. Originally, I wanted to teach English.

When I heard about GeoVisions' internship abroad opportunities to work with students who want to work, study and travel overseas, however, it immediately caught my interest.

What a great way to learn about a process I experienced as a student, but from the perspective of a Programs Assistant who helps students reach their cultural-exchange goals.

On a typical day, I send and receive plentiful emails via my director and coordinators, I contact universities and high schools to promote the programs available. What's most rewarding is that I work with enrolled students to evaluate their English-levels and prepare them for the once-in-a-lifetime experience they are about to embark on.

I currently rent a room at the household of a Chilean family who are incredibly accommodating and who have welcomed me not only into their home, but into their family dynamics and daily lives as well. The family consists of a mother, two brothers who are 27 and 25, and a younger sister who is 14.

My host-brothers have become great friends as they have introduced me to their friends and have invited me to join in on the festivities the night-life in Santiago has to offer. 

My host-sister and I have also grown an awesome bond as I help her with her English homework.  She picks on me for my American accent, and we play board games.  Another perk are my family's awesome dogs, Quila and Bosko.

After my internship abroad ends, I will be making my way down to Patagonia de Chile to hike and camp in Parque Torres del Paines for a week.  Then I'll head north to San Pedro de Atacama and Salar de Uyuni to spend a week in the desert. I couldn't be more excited for these adventures!